A Windsor police officer was demoted Monday after pleading guilty to discreditable conduct involving the sexual harassment of a female coworker [1].
The disciplinary action highlights the internal accountability measures within the Windsor Police Service regarding workplace harassment and the legal standards for officer conduct.
Const. Joshua Smith received a demotion for a period of two years [2]. The decision follows his guilty plea related to a series of indecent phone calls made to a colleague [3].
According to reports, the harassment occurred over a two-week period [4]. During these calls, Smith breathed heavily and moaned while masturbating [5]. The behavior was formally classified as sexual harassment, and discreditable conduct [3].
The announcement of the demotion was made May 25, 2026 [1]. The case moved through the legal system after the nature of the phone calls was identified as a violation of professional standards for police officers in Ontario.
While the officer remains with the force, the two-year demotion serves as a formal penalty for the actions that compromised the professional environment of the service [2].
“Const. Joshua Smith received a demotion for a period of two years.”
This case underscores the application of 'discreditable conduct' charges in Canadian policing, where behavior that brings the service into disrepute can lead to severe rank reductions. The specific nature of the harassment and the subsequent guilty plea demonstrate a move toward transparency in handling internal misconduct within the Windsor Police Service.
